craftspeople: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical, educational, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “craftspeople” mean?
People who are skilled at making decorative or useful objects by hand, especially as a job.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
People who are skilled at making decorative or useful objects by hand, especially as a job.
A gender-neutral plural term for artisans, encompassing both 'craftsmen' and 'craftswomen', often implying a dedication to traditional skills, high-quality materials, and aesthetic value.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term itself is identical and used similarly. The traditional terms 'craftsmen' (often used generically) and 'craftswomen' are slightly more common in historical or less formal UK contexts, but 'craftspeople' is the standard inclusive term in both varieties.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes skill, tradition, and quality. In the US, it may be more frequently associated with the 'arts and crafts' movement or small-batch entrepreneurship. In the UK, it may have a slightly stronger link to heritage crafts and guild traditions.
Frequency
Moderate and increasing in frequency in both varieties due to preference for gender-neutral language. More common in written texts (policy documents, museum descriptions, cultural reports) than in casual everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “craftspeople” in a Sentence
craftspeople + [who/that] + verbcraftspeople + of + [place/material]craftspeople + specialising in + [craft]craftspeople + work with + [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “craftspeople” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The programme aims to skill up new craftspeople.
- They are craftspeopling beautiful furniture in their Dorset workshop. (Rare/ non-standard)
American English
- The initiative helps train aspiring craftspeople.
- She craftspeople unique jewelry in her studio. (Rare/ non-standard)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from 'craftspeople')
American English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from 'craftspeople')
adjective
British English
- A craftspeople-led cooperative opened in the village.
- The craftspeople community is thriving. (Attributive use, somewhat awkward)
American English
- It's a craftspeople-focused marketplace.
- The craftspeople collective sells online. (Attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of small business, luxury goods, tourism, and heritage industries, e.g., 'The brand partners directly with local craftspeople.'
Academic
Used in anthropology, cultural studies, art history, and economic development literature, e.g., 'The study examines the socio-economic networks of rural craftspeople.'
Everyday
Less common in casual chat. Used when discussing hobbies, markets, or travel, e.g., 'We met some amazing craftspeople at the weekend fair.'
Technical
Used in museology, conservation, vocational training, and cultural policy, e.g., 'The grant supports apprenticeships for traditional craftspeople.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “craftspeople”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “craftspeople”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “craftspeople”
- Using 'craftspeople' as a singular (correct singular: 'craftsperson').
- Misspelling as 'craftpeople' (missing the 's').
- Using it to refer to people who are merely 'crafty' (cunning).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is strictly plural. The singular form is 'craftsperson' or, less commonly, 'craftsman'/'craftswoman'.
While there is overlap, 'craftspeople' typically emphasises skilled manual creation of often functional or decorative objects (pottery, furniture, textiles). 'Artists' may focus more on conceptual, fine art, or non-utilitarian expression (painting, sculpture, performance). A craftsperson can also be an artist.
It gained significant prominence in the late 20th century with the move towards gender-neutral language. While the concept is ancient, this specific inclusive plural form is modern.
In historical contexts or when referring specifically to men, 'craftsmen' is accurate. However, in contemporary, inclusive, or formal writing where the gender of the group is mixed or unknown, 'craftspeople' is the preferred and recommended term.
People who are skilled at making decorative or useful objects by hand, especially as a job.
Craftspeople is usually formal, technical, educational, journalistic in register.
Craftspeople: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɑːftsˌpiːpl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræftsˌpiːpəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A dying breed of craftspeople”
- “In the hands of skilled craftspeople”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CRAFT + PEOPLE. A group of PEOPLE skilled in a CRAFT.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRAFTSPEOPLE ARE GUARDIANS OF TRADITION. (They preserve and transmit knowledge through generations.)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'craftspeople' correctly?